Baldwin, Haverford School Sing, Perform and Bond in the City of Copenhagen 

During spring break, Baldwin's B-Flats and Haverford's Notables embarked on an extraordinary journey that many would consider the trip of a lifetime. This year, 32 enthusiastic students from The Baldwin School and The Haverford School, along with faculty members, engaged in the vibrant culture of Copenhagen, Denmark. Their experience sharing talents through local performances highlighted the importance of traveling abroad. "The Danish Music Exchange is such an exciting journey where students get to perform every day—sometimes even more than once," said Lee Hagon-Kerr, a music teacher at Baldwin and the musical director for B-Flats.  "During this amazing experience, they stay with Danish families and get a real taste of what it’s like to be a high school student in Denmark. After more than 15 years and countless trips, I still see the magic this program creates. It brings students together in such special ways, and I feel truly honored to be part of these unforgettable moments!"

This annual trip, born from the vision of Anne-Mette Hansell (P ‘03), a former Baldwin teacher of language arts and humanities, offers a remarkable opportunity for Danish and American students to engage with arts and culture in transformative ways. Over seven days, Baldwin and Haverford students experience life with Danish families and attend classes, enriching their journey. The B-Flats and the Haverford School Notables, both a cappella groups, embarked on an extensive performance tour, delighting audiences daily at schools, churches and castles like Frederiksborg and Kronborg, places steeped in history with some dating back to the 12th century. Between an intense rehearsal schedule, students also found time for canal trips through Denmark, good meals and exploring shops and city streets. 

Baldwin senior Amelia Skawinski reflected on the trip to Copenhagen, "Our trip to Denmark was a genuinely transformative experience. The three groups grew incredibly close, and our trust for each other as musicians reached a level we had never expected. It was so inspiring to see this reflected in our music-making. We felt that we sounded better at each performance than the last, and we bonded more within the B-Flats and with the Haverford and Ordrup groups as well."

Over the years, the B-Flats and the Notables have built a strong musical connection with the B-Sharps from Ordrup Gymnasium, a high school in suburban Copenhagen. In the fall of 2024, students from Denmark visited Baldwin, where they had the opportunity to perform and immerse themselves in the local culture of Pennsylvania’s Main Line  and Philadelphia, PA. This ongoing exchange highlights the commitment of all three schools to collaborate and provide students with the chance to explore culture, music and partnerships in meaningful ways.

"Every moment of the trip was incredible, from the beautiful architecture of the historical sites we visited in Denmark to the outstanding musical performances by the B-Flats, B-Sharps and Notables," said Lynne Macziewski, Head of School at Baldwin. "One of the most unforgettable moments for me was the opportunity to meet one of our alumna, Nina Crone ‘65 and attend one of our concerts with her. She was beyond amazed at the talent demonstrated by these young men and women. The experience was enjoyable and deeply rewarding. More than memorable, connecting with the students on a deeper level was the real gift."

The ongoing relationship with The Haverford School and Ordrup Gymnasium goes beyond being just a study abroad program. It reminds us that music, laughter and shared experiences can bring us together in the moment and create lasting memories long after the final note is sung.  We look forward to continuing to build these connections and more to come!